South Korea poised to boost arms exports with advanced missile program progress

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced the successful completion of a safe separation test for a domestically developed long-range air-to-surface guided missile currently under development.

The test was conducted at an Air Force unit on June 23 and aimed to verify that the missile detaches cleanly from the aircraft without compromising safety or functionality, Caliber.Az reports per Korean media.

DAPA explained that the missile’s ability to separate safely from its carrier aircraft is a critical step in the ongoing development process. “The test, which is aimed at verifying whether the missile clearly detaches from the aircraft without affecting its safety and functions, took place at an Air Force unit on June 23,” the agency said.

Looking ahead, DAPA plans to carry out a series of further tests employing a test FA-50 aircraft before moving to verify the missile on a KF-21 prototype, anticipated to commence in 2027. This phased testing approach underscores South Korea’s methodical development strategy for integrating advanced missile systems onto its next-generation fighter jets.

Since 2018, South Korea has prioritized the development of long-range guided missiles tailored for the KF-21 fighter jet, with the objective of enabling precision strikes on critical enemy targets. This initiative reflects the country’s broader ambition to enhance its indigenous defence capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign weaponry.

“The latest test marked a key milestone in the project,” DAPA noted, expressing optimism about the missile’s future potential. The agency also emphasized expectations that these guided missiles will be exported in conjunction with the KF-21, thereby contributing to a significant boost in South Korea’s arms exports.

By Vafa Guliyeva